Special to KRTN Multi-Media
Raton v Espanola Valley
Raton Tennis after their defeat of the Taos Tigers traveled to Espanola Valley to take on the Sun Devils. The Sun Devils will be a new district foe heading into next season as tennis classification will extend from A-5A next year. Raton got off to a tough start with Singles #1Autumn Archuleta dropping her match 6-2, 6-3. Archuleta was unable to find a rhythm as her opponents lack of pace wreaked havoc with her returns causing many unforced errors. In the #2 spot Lijah Medina evened up the contest by beating her opponent 6-4, 7-5 in a evenly matched contest. Lijah was more consistent than her opponent which helped her prevail. #3 Brooke Fleming battled through a tough match but dropped it to her opponent 7-5, 7-5. In the #4 spot Alejandra Murcia came out on fire winning the first set 6-1 and closed out the second set 7-5. #5 Marissa Bernal #6 Estefani proceeded to both win their matches in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, and 6-3, 6-2 respectively putting the Tigers up 4-2 after singles play.
In the doubles contest the #1 doubles team of Autumn and Brooke avenged their singles losses and defeated their opponent 6-4, 6-2 which sealed the overall win for the Tigers. Raton was not finished though as both the #2 and #3 doubles teams won their matches and ended the contest with Raton winning 7 matches to Espanola’s 2 for another team victory for the Lady Tigers.
Raton v. Hope Christian
After a weekend of rest the Lady Tigers hit the road again to face Class foe Hope Christian.
#1 Autumn Archuleta defeated Jana Pruitt in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 playing some solid tennis and keeping her opponent guessing with an array of mixed returns and serves.
#2 Lijah Medina worked overtime but dropped the match to Meghan Taylor 6-4, 6-7, losing the 10 pt tie breaker in the 3rd set 10-5.
#3 Brooke Fleming went down to Marissa Pattison in straight sets 0-6, 4-6 but has stepped and improved steadily.
#4 Alejandra Murcia pulled out a tough first set 7-5 and finished her match off easily in the second 6-1.
#5 Marissa Bernal who has been gaining valuable experience had a nice win 6-4, 6-1 over Addison Frange.
#6 Estefani Martinez who has moved up the rankings to earn the 6 slot won her match 6-2, 6-0 in straight sets
After singles play Raton found themselves up 4 matches to 2 and only needing one more doubles win to take the contest. After Raton’s #1 double team dropped their contest to Hope 1-6, 3-6 the #2 doubles team of Lijah Medina and Alejandra Murcia sealed the contest with a win 6-2, 6-4. Icing on the cake to complete the contest had #3 double team win their match 6-1, 6-1 finalizing the win for Raton 6 matches to Hope Christians 3.
At both events some of the newer players were able to play some matches that did not count towards the overall results but have offered the new comers to the program some great experience. With pre-district’s coming for the Lady Tigers they will have their hands full in what is no doubt the toughest district in the state that includes powerhouse Robertson, and private schools St. Michaels and Santa Fe Prep.
